We are taking the time to write up articles and make videos that provide technical support for learning and trouble shooting. We work in a lot of tricky situations and have seen a ton of things in the field that we hope helps you through problems. Let us know if there’s anything specific you want to see!
Not all of these are available right now, but in the near future they will be….
Instrumentation and Wiring – Wiring up devices can sometimes be confusing so we are trying to help the process. Below are a list of articles we’ve compiled along with links to videos that we’ve made.
- Motor Control Basics – Wiring examples and lessons to teach you how things work
- Lesson 1 – Single Phase Motor Wiring and Operation
- Lesson 2 – Three Phase Motor Wiring and Operation
- Lesson 3 – Motor Starters and Overloads
- Lesson 4 – Latching Start/Stop Circuit
- Lesson 5 – Latching Start/Stop with Estop and external run conditions
- Analog I/O, Sensors and Devices – Explanation of what they are, how to wire them and how they work.
- Analog Loops – Technical article about Analog loops, troubleshooting & wiring examples.
- Analog Inputs, Sensors and Devices
- Wiring, Scaling and troubleshooting
- Analog Outputs, Sensors and Devices
- Wiring, Scaling and troubleshooting
- Discrete I/O, Sensors and Devices – How do they work, how to wire and troubleshooting
- NPN vs PNP
- Sinking vs Sourcing
- Relays – How do they work, how to wire them and how to troubleshoot
- Coil Voltage vs Contact Voltage
- Instrumentation – Sensors, Transmitters, Proximity Sensors, Photo Eyes
- Photo Eyes – Types and Uses
PLC Communications – This is THE most critical part of working with PLC’s and components. If you can’t communicate with a PLC, you can’t program or diagnose it. How to talk to a PLC, What communications protocols are out there, How to connect to different PLC, Identifying how to communicate with new PLCs and devices.
- The Basics Overview – What protocols are out there and how to identify them
- Ethernet – Driver Identification, configuration and comms setup/diagnosis
- RS232/485 – Wiring principles, comms basics and setup
- DH+ – Wiring basics, comms basics and setup
- ControlNET – The worst and why
- DeviceNET – Second worst nd why
PLC Programming – Programming from scratch or jumping into something new. Ladder logic, function block, structured text. We will cover as much as we can to help make you successful.
- Allen Bradley
- Platforms – PLC 5, Micrologix, Compactlogix, Controllogix, Micro 850
- Software – RSLogix500, Logix 5000, Studio 5000, CCW (Connected Components Workbench)
- Automation Direct
- Platforms – Productivity 1000/2000/3000, Click, BRX, DoMore
- Software – Productivity, Click, DoMore
HMI (Human Machine Interface) – Programming, troubleshooting and communications with the PLC. The basics to help you troubleshoot and work on devices easier.
- Allen Bradley
- Platforms – Panelview 550, Panelview 1000, Panelview Plus 6, Panelview Plus 7
- Panelview 550 Upload/Download – YouTube video of how to upload and download to an older AB panelview 550 using Panelbuilder32
- Panelview Plus 600 Firmware Upgrade – YouTube video on how to upgrade firmware on an older Panelview Plus 600
- Panelview 1000 File Transfer – YouTube Video on how to transfer a file to an older Panelview 1000 using Panelbulder32
- Software – Panelbuilder32, FactoryTalk View ME, FactoryTalk View SE, Studio 5000
- Platforms – Panelview 550, Panelview 1000, Panelview Plus 6, Panelview Plus 7
- Automation Direct
- Platforms – EA1, EA3, EA9, CM5
- Software – Cmore micro, Cmore
- Maple Systems
- Redlion
VFD (Variable Frequency Drives) – Installation and Commissioning
- VFD Basics on startup and commissioning of most all VFDs
- Lesson 1 – Controlling a VFD with Analog Input
- Allen Bradley Powerflex – Using CCW (Connected Components Workbench)
- AC Drives – Startup and commissioning
- Dynamic Braking
- DC Drives – Startup and commissioning
- AC Drives – Startup and commissioning
- Automation Direct – Using GS Soft
- AC Drives – Durapulse of all flavors
- Dynamic Braking
- AC Drives – Durapulse of all flavors
- Yaskawa – Startup and Commissioning
Author – Brooks Fleharty
20 Years of experience in the field with numerous industries. Oil & Gas, Food & Bev, Manufacturing and more. I’ve been blessed to gain the experience I have and learn from so many talented people along the way. With so many on the job experiences, it’s made my learning process very rewarding. Looking to sharing my experience to help others in the industry grow and achieve their true potential.